Works with
- Anger
- Stress, Anxiety
- Trauma and abuse
- Grief
- Bipolar disorder
- Depression
How Lesley works
- Not listed
Practical facts
- Credentials
- LMHC
- Licensed in
- Massachusetts
- Years in practice
- 39
- Languages
- English
- Session format
- Online, through our partner platform
About Lesley
Lesley Gustafson, MA, LMHC, uses straightforward, evidence-based methods to help people manage strong emotions and stressful situations. She writes and talks plainly with clients about practical steps they can try. Her style aims to reduce overwhelm and make progress feel doable.
Lesley brings 39 years of clinical experience, including work in inpatient psychiatric settings and with disaster response through the Red Cross Disaster Mental Health Team. That background shaped her ability to respond calmly when problems feel urgent.
Background and approach
She has led both individual and group therapy across many settings. She helps people facing anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, trauma and abuse, grief, and addictive behaviors. Anger and coping with life changes are also frequent areas of focus.
Lesley pays attention to how culture and prejudice affect the way people experience distress and recovery. Her approach combines education, practical coping skills, and steady support. Sessions emphasize small, doable changes that add up over time.
She offers clear guidance and helps clients practice new ways to respond to difficult feelings. Lesley practices in Massachusetts and conducts work remotely using video, phone, live chat, and text messaging. Sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
To begin, a short matching questionnaire helps pair a person with a therapist and schedule the first session.
What Lesley works with
Everything Lesley lists, in the therapist's own terms. Anger is the reason this directory exists; the rest tells you what usually sits alongside it in Lesley's practice.
How evidence-based approaches work online
Lesley uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques that focus on practical skills and problem solving. One common approach she uses teaches coping skills for intense emotions and stress; it helps people notice triggers, practice calming strategies, and change unhelpful reactions. Another frequent method emphasizes education about symptoms and routines, helping people build structure, recognize warning signs, and plan small steps toward stability.Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist listens to the person’s goals, reviews what has helped before, and together they try methods that fit the situation. Adjustments are made over time so the work stays relevant and useful.
Online therapy here includes video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video lets people work face-to-face when a longer conversation is needed. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or when someone prefers not to be on camera. Live chat and text messaging are useful for shorter check-ins, brief coping reminders, or when scheduling needs more flexibility. These options make it easier to keep therapy consistent around work, caregiving, or other commitments.
Questions people ask about Lesley
What kinds of concerns does Lesley address?
She works with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, bipolar disorder, depression, addictions, anger, and coping with life changes. Additional focuses include first responder issues, multicultural concerns, paranoia, and prejudice and discrimination.
What is her therapeutic approach like?
Her work emphasizes evidence-based therapeutic techniques delivered in clear, practical steps. Sessions mix education, skill-building, and steady support to help people handle strong feelings and daily challenges.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 39 years of experience, including time in inpatient psychiatric settings and service with the Red Cross Disaster Mental Health Team.
Where is she located and licensed?
Lesley practices in Massachusetts and holds the credential MA LMHC, which is listed as her professional qualification.
Which languages are offered for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Are international clients supported?
International clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats are available?
She offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different needs and schedules.
How do I start working with her?
Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability. Sessions are provided through a subscription that can be canceled at any time.